From a bold beginning, Harwood Andrews Lawyers has evolved through merger and acquisition into a leading and trusted Victorian legal firm. The firm has expanded by seizing new opportunities and continuing to offer its clients profound experience in each of its practice areas.

A look back over time

1840

Henry Tyssen was the first solicitor in Geelong, Victoria. He gave notice of his commencement of legal practice on 26 November 1840, as displayed in this original advertisement from the Geelong Advertiser newspaper.

1851

Thomas Harwood was admitted to legal practice in the District of Port Phillip in June 1851 and established his own law firm.

 

1872

Harwood admitted his son-in-law, F.R. Pincott as a partner and practised as Harwood & Pincott.

 

1889

Tyssen's practice merged with Harwood & Pincott. Harwood & Pincott then merged with the firm Taylor Buckland & Gates. Harwood & Pincott had offices in Melbourne and Colac, with their principal office in Geelong.

 

1939

Vautin Andrews established his own legal practice in part of his family's Stove Company premises in Geelong, Victoria. The firm was based on property, business, probate and finance matters.

 

1952

Andrews took a partner, John Backhouse, who brought experience in common law and matrimonial law to the firm. Andrews & Backhouse was subsequently established.

 

1992

Harwood & Pincott merged with Andrews & Backhouse to create Harwood Andrews.

 

1995

Harwood Andrews merged with Hodges Hall.

 

1997

With offices in Melbourne, Werribee, Geelong and Torquay, Victoria, Harwood Andrews merged with Sweeney & Company. The name of the firm was changed to Harwood Andrews Lawyers.

 

2004

The insurance law practice of John Matthies & Co. joined Harwood Andrews Lawyers.

 

2004

Harwood Andrews Lawyers merged with firms Price Higgins and Doyle Considine to secure its position as a leading Victorian law firm.